International studio (23.1904)

The Langhmn Sketching Chib


“THE ORATOR” BY A. BRANTINGHAM SIMPSON

the scenes, as it were, and has watched the artist
in many moods and characters.
One of the best stories of models told at the
Langham is of one who had posed so long for
religious subjects, as apostles and saints, that
he objected when they wanted him to assume
the role of a common coster.
The value to the artist of such rare training
as that afforded by the Langham is incalculable
even in the present time of school and tech-
nical art training. The coming together of men
of mature talent and noble ambition evening
after evening for serious study is in itself an
important factor in the development of much
that is best in the art movement of a country.
The dignified position that the Langham has
always held, coupled with the fact that so many
distinguished men have been in sympathy with
its principles and worked on under its direction
long after fame had come to them, is very ample
proof that its methods are altogether sound and
useful.
Much of the interest and importance given
to the picturing of the costumed and historical
figure is due to the influence of the Langham,
for costume-subjects have ever been most dear
to the Langhamite, be his technique ever so
recent. The club owns a splendid collec-
tion of old and historical costumes, and there
is one precious old coat that has been in such
favour because of its rich beauty that it is
fast nearing the period when it must crumble
to dust. At different times interested friends
have presented the club with valuable additions
to their collection of costumes and armour, until

in the year 1867 it is re-
corded that it had become
necessary to appoint one
of the members as “Keeper
of the Wardrobe,” a quaint
title enough for modern
times.
All the members and
subscribers are entitled to
the loan of any costume
or club property, and to
the use of the club library,
which is well-stocked with
books on everything ot
interest to the art student
and lover. When one stops
to consider all that this
means in the saving of
time, trouble, and money
to the young artist, or to one coming to London
strange from the provinces, one begins to see how
much the Society has done and is doing for
English art training.
When, in 1838, the Sketching Club came into


SKETCH FROM THE MODEL BY W. DOUGLAS ALMOND

29I